36 Dairy-Free Holiday Recipes Everyone Can Enjoy (2024)

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36 Dairy-Free Holiday Recipes Everyone Can Enjoy (1)

By Katherine Gillen

Published Dec 15, 2020

Additional reporting by

Taryn Pire

Navigating the holiday table can be tough when you’re avoiding dairy. But it’s not all butter-laden cookies and creamy eggnog. There are plenty of dairy-free options that still feel festive and fancy. From appetizers to desserts, here are 36 dairy-free holiday recipes everyone can enjoy.

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17 Dairy-Free Holiday Side Dishes That Are Still Totally Decadent

Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Aran Goyoaga

1. Roasted Winter Vegetable Platter With Miso Aioli And Romesco Sauce

If you ask us, it’s just not a holiday without a robust crudités spread. This one skips the typical ranch dip in favor of two irresistible vegan options.

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The Fearless Baker

2. Gluten-free Flourless Cocoa Cookies

These beauties are made without flour or butter for maximum chocolaty goodness, and since the recipe calls for bittersweet chocolate (as opposed to milk), they’re totally dairy-free.

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Jacqui Melville/Apple

3. Cauliflower, Pomegranate And Apple Salad

It’s as festive as it is delicious, thanks to crisp apples, deepy caramelized cauliflower and a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds at the end.

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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Aran Goyoaga

4. Radicchio, Lentil And Apple Salad With Vegan Cashew Dressing

A creamy dressing sans actual cream? You better believe it. (Psst: You can also sub the dressing anywhere you’d use ricotta cheese.)

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Nisha Vora

5. Vegan & Gluten-free Dark Chocolate Ginger Tart

Sometimes dairy-free desserts can taste a little healthy, if you know what we mean. This one is the total opposite.

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A New Way to Food

6. Salmon And Fennel Dinner Salad

Plant-based yogurt lends the dressing an indulgent feel, but it’s actually pretty healthy. (So you can eat more cookies, of course.)

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Henry Hargreaves/Avocaderia

7. Avocado Chocolate Mousse

It’s so rich and intensely chocolaty that no one will suspect it’s made from something green. We’re sneaky like that.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

8. Balsamic Cranberry Roast Chicken

Hands off? Check. Minimal cleanup? Check. Yep, we’re making this ASAP.

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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Heath Goldman

9. Delicata Squash Rings With Garlic-lemon Sauce

Want to know a secret? You can doctor up store-bought mayonnaise and pretend it’s a homemade aioli. So fancy.

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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Heath Goldman

10. Crispy Bacon-wrapped Brussels Sprouts

These will definitely stand out in a sea of sad party appetizers. Make a double batch—they’ll go fast.

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Photo: Michael Marquand/Styling: Jake Cohen

11. French Onion Brisket

Skip the decorative centerpieces and let this stunner—courtesy of our chef in residence Jake Cohen—have the spotlight.

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Michael Graydon and Nikole Herriott/Nothing Fancy

12. Alison Roman’s Swordfish With Crushed Olives And Oregano

You’re ten ingredients and 30 minutes away from an elegant main course.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

13. Dairy-free Butternut Squash ‘fondue’

Who said cheese eaters get to have all the fun? This squash fondue is just as dippable as the real thing.

Get the recipe

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

14. No-bake, Gluten-free Rose Petal Brownies

Swap the rose petals for red and green sprinkles if you want to get extra festive.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

15. Pistachio-crusted Pork Tenderloin With Apple And Escarole Salad

Nope, pork tenderloin isn’t a sad, dry relic from the early 2000s. It’s actually a buttery, tender meal that comes together on a single sheet pan.

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Erin McDowell

16. Whole Roasted Carrots

Looking for a simple yet elegant side dish with a ton of flavor? Look no further.

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Ellen Silverman/Everyday Dorie

17. Dorie Greenspan’s Roasted Acorn Squash Wedges

Serve these as a side to a fancy cut of meat or paired with an uncomplicated green salad for a vegetarian main.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

18. Vegan Golden Mylk Cheesecake

The trendy dairy-free beverage got a sweet, silky, almost-no-bake makeover. Can we have a second slice?

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

19. Pomegranate-maple Glazed Lamb Chops

If it’s too cold to fire up the grill, you can make these chops just as easily in a super-hot cast-iron skillet.

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Chloe Flavor

20. Vegan Butternut Mac And ‘cheese’ With Smoky Shiitake ‘bacon’

Make this and everyone will think you’re a professional chef. (Or a magician.)

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

21. Spicy Orange-honey Glazed Ham

It’s a holiday. There has to be a ham involved. Especially one that's this delicious.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

22. Brussels Sprouts Latkes

These crispy guys are already dairy-free, just skip the side of sour cream. We promise you won’t miss it.

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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Aran Goyoaga

23. Vegan And Gluten-free Apple Blackberry Crumble Tart

Coconut oil takes the place of butter in this easy press-in crust. Even better, you can swap the fruit for any type your heart desires.

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24. Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Garlicky, fluffy and oh so creamy, thanks to vegan butter.

25. Green Bean Casserole

Bye, canned cream of mushroom. We're using cashew cream, vegetable broth and oil instead.

26. Honey Mustard Sheet-pan Chicken With Brussels Sprouts

There's no need to fuss over a whole holiday ham if you're only serving a few people. And this sheet-pan wonder will leave you with only *one* dirty dish.

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Henry Hargreaves/Avocaderia

27. Vegan Avocado Caesar Salad

You won't find any anchovies or dairy in this wow-worthy crowd-pleaser. (It's all about the cashew Parmesan.)

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Nicole Franzen/Food: What the Heck Should I Cook?

28. Roasted Beet And Citrus Salad

This gorgeous spread of multicolored produce is here to show you what citrus season is all about.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

29. Dairy-free Cheesecake With Blueberry Topping

We can't decide what we love more, the cashew-coconut milk base or the three-ingredient blueberry topping.

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Nisha Vora

30. Creamy Vegan Lentil And Roasted Vegetable Bake

Winter comfort food at its dairy-free finest. Crispy pine nut topping FTW.

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31. Easy Vegan Scalloped Potatoes

Oh, almond milk. What would we ever do without you?

AMANDA FREDERICKSON/SIMPLE BEAUTIFUL FOOD

32. Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Sriracha And Lime

We may or may not be planning to chop these beauties up for a killer meatless taco filling.

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Erin McDowell

33. Spicy Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Odds are you already have every ingredient you need for this ridiculously easy veggie side.

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Nisha Vora

34. Vegan Instant Pot Farro Risotto

We can hear your guests now: "Wait...is there really no cheese in this?" (The secret is white bean purée.)

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35. Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

Don't knock it 'til you try it. Serve it with sliced bread, crackers, pita chips or crudités.

36. Coconut Cinnamon Buns

Christmas morning just got a whole lot merrier.

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36 Dairy-Free Holiday Recipes Everyone Can Enjoy (38)

Katherine Gillen

Senior Food Editor

Katherine Gillenis PureWow’s senior food editor. She’s a writer, recipe developer and food stylist with a degree in culinary arts and professional experience in New York City...

read full bio

36 Dairy-Free Holiday Recipes Everyone Can Enjoy (39)

Taryn Pire

Food Editor

Taryn Pire is PureWow’s food editor and has been writing about all things delicious since 2016. She’s developed recipes, reviewed restaurants and investigated food trends at...

read full bio

36 Dairy-Free Holiday Recipes Everyone Can Enjoy (2024)

FAQs

What are 6 food with no dairy? ›

What can you eat on a dairy-free diet?
  • Fruits and vegetables.
  • Meat & poultry.
  • Fish & seafood.
  • Eggs.
  • Nuts & seeds.
  • Soy products, such as tofu and tempeh.
  • Beans & legumes.
  • Whole grains, such as quinoa and couscous.

What is non dairy meal? ›

Last updated 17/01/2024. Any foods that aren't derived from cow's milk are non-dairy foods! These include vegetables and legumes, fruit, grains, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds and fats such as olive oil.

How can I go dairy free UK? ›

There are a number of alternative foods and drinks available in supermarkets to replace milk and dairy products, such as:
  1. soya milks, yoghurts and some cheeses.
  2. rice, oat, almond, hazelnut, coconut, quinoa and potato milks.
  3. foods that carry the "dairy-free" or "suitable for vegans" signs.

What is a good dairy free treat? ›

Homemade dairy free treats
  • No Bake Coconut Lemon Energy Ball.
  • Pumpkin Energy Bites.
  • Chocolate Coconut Balls.
  • Banana Oat Bars.
  • No-Bake Fig Bars.
  • Air Fryer Donuts.
  • Vegan Chocolate Pudding.
  • Chocolate Chia Pudding.
Jul 21, 2023

How cutting out dairy changed my life? ›

I did so and within 2 weeks my pain had cut in half, my weight plummeted, I had more energy and I could see and think clearer. It was like a fog lifted. For a few years I would “cheat” now and then and have some dairy.

How long does it take to see results from quitting dairy? ›

It will take two to three weeks before you can “really feel the difference in your body and mind,” says Savage. “When your body no longer has to work to eliminate foreign substances that it cannot digest, everything just works better,” she adds. “Your digestion, metabolism, sleep improves, and mood improve.”

Does cutting out dairy help lose weight? ›

Weight loss

Eliminating dairy can help with weight loss. Milk, plain yogurt, and other unsweetened dairy products contain lactose, a natural sugar, while other dairy products may contain added sugar. If you're trying to lose stubborn belly fat, eliminating added sugar can really help.

What foods should you avoid if you are dairy-free? ›

Simply put, a dairy-free diet excludes all (or most) dairy products. This includes milk from any animal in addition to foods and drinks that contain milk, such as cheese, yogurt, butter, and cream.

Are Oreos dairy-free? ›

SUMMARY. Oreo cookies are made without any animal products. However, the company that makes them says these cookies are made in facilities that handle milk. As a result, there may be traces of milk in Oreo cookies.

What are the 5 healthiest dairy? ›

The 5 best types of dairy for gut health, according to a gastroenterologist
  1. Yogurt. First up on the list is yogurt. ...
  2. Kefir. The tangier sibling of yogurt, kefir, is a fermented milk product rich in probiotics. ...
  3. Cottage Cheese. ...
  4. Fermented Cheeses. ...
  5. Lactose-Free Dairy Products.
Jun 1, 2023

What bread is dairy-free? ›

  • LOWCARB AVENUE NEVER COMPROMISELOWCARB AVENUE NEVER…
  • Hero.
  • Little Northern BakehouseLittle Northern Bakehouse.
  • Livlo.
  • Joseph's.
  • Young Kobras.
  • Judee's Gluten FreeJudee's Gluten Free.
  • 4C.

What candy doesn't have dairy? ›

Dairy Free Candy S-Z
  • Saf-t- pops (also gluten free)
  • Shockers.
  • Skittles (also vegan and gluten free)
  • Smarties — Any variety – (Top 8 Allergen Free as well as vegan and gluten-free) *** It's also important to know that if you look for UPCs with 011206 it confirms products came from allergen-free factory.
Oct 3, 2018

Does Cool Whip have dairy in it? ›

Cool Whip is available in an aerosol can using nitrous oxide as a propellant. From its introduction, Cool Whip was labeled and advertised as non-dairy, but as of 2018 it contains skimmed milk and sodium caseinate, a milk derivative.

What is the healthiest non-dairy product? ›

Soy Milk. Soy milk is the OG of non-dairy milk and is made by soaking soybeans (which have been hulled and ground) in water. Soybeans contain essential amino acids, high levels of protein, and iron, and soy milk has lower fat and cholesterol levels than cow's milk. Soy milk has a subtly sweet, creamy, and mild flavor.

What 4 foods are not considered dairy products? ›

Foods That Do Not Contain Dairy
Non-dairy FoodNutrients
EggsProtein, fat, Vit B, Vit D, iron, potassium
Vegetables and fruitsVitamins, minerals, amino acids, fibers
Nuts and seedsVitamins, minerals, amino acids, fibers
Legumes and pulsesProtein, carbohydrate, fiber, zinc, fatty acids, phosphorus
4 more rows
Apr 28, 2023

What are 5 foods for dairy? ›

The Dairy Group includes milk, yogurt, cheese, lactose-free milk and fortified soy milk and yogurt. It does not include foods made from milk that have little calcium and a high fat content, such as cream cheese, sour cream, cream, and butter. Visit the Dairy Group page for examples of specific foods in the Dairy Group.

What product is dairy-free? ›

Examples of dairy-free products include: Alternative milk like soy milk, almond milk, and coconut milk. Desserts like sherbet, frozen fruit bars, and angel food cake. Peanut butter, nuts, and seeds.

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